Looking for a festive and delicious treat to celebrate the holiday season? This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is the perfect choice. Combining the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the tartness of fresh cranberries, this cake is wonderfully moist, light, and bursting with flavor. With its golden, crumbly texture and slightly tangy-sweet notes, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite for your family and friends.

Ideal for tea parties, holiday brunches, or as a dessert to accompany your festive meals, this cake is simple to make, yet feels luxurious and indulgent. The addition of fresh cranberries brings a pop of color and seasonal flavor, while the ricotta makes the cake extra moist and tender. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a showstopper that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Let’s dive into how you can create this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Moist Texture

The ricotta cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that makes the cake incredibly moist without being heavy.

2. Perfect Holiday Flavor

With the tartness of fresh cranberries and a hint of vanilla, this cake captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite.

3. Simple to Prepare

This tea cake is easy to make with simple ingredients, and it comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute holiday baking.

4. Beautiful Presentation

The fresh cranberries and dusting of powdered sugar create a beautiful presentation, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

While perfect for holiday celebrations, this cake is versatile enough to be served year-round for a cozy tea time or as a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Whole milk ricotta cheese
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Eggs
Fresh cranberries
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations

Add Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and holiday spice.
Swap Berries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, try using frozen cranberries or substitute with fresh blueberries for a different flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and dairy-free ricotta to make this cake vegan-friendly.
Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant, festive touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight, and enjoy the festive flavors with your loved ones!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will give the cake a nice pop of color and texture. If using frozen cranberries, make sure to fold them in while still frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Start checking the cake around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, so it doesn’t melt into the cake.

How to Serve

This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is best served:

At Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s celebration with family and friends.
With Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an elegant treat.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve a slice with yogurt and fresh fruit for a light and satisfying brunch.
As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy a slice of this cake as a mid-afternoon snack to lift your spirits during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake if you want it to last longer.

Freezing

This cake freezes well. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat slices, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them up in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Ricotta is key to the texture of this cake, but you can substitute it with mascarpone for a slightly richer flavor.

2. Can I add more cranberries?

Yes, feel free to add more cranberries if you want a more tart flavor. Just make sure the batter can hold them without becoming too wet.

3. Can I make this cake without butter?

You can substitute the butter with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version.

4. How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking.

5. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be baked a day or two in advance. Store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Just make sure to fold them in while still frozen to prevent them from releasing too much juice into the batter.

7. Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

You can use an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan, but adjust the baking time as needed. The cake may take longer to cook in a smaller pan.

8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a whisk?

Yes, a hand mixer can be used to combine the wet ingredients, but be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients.

9. How do I make the cake less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup for a less sweet cake.

10. How can I decorate the cake for a special occasion?

You can top the cake with a few fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or even a drizzle of glaze for an extra festive touch.

Conclusion

This Holiday Cranberry Ricotta Tea Cake Delight is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that brings the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, all wrapped up in a moist, airy cake. Its beautiful presentation and delicious taste make it an excellent choice for holiday celebrations, brunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With its festive cranberries and ricotta, this cake will surely become a holiday favorite that you’ll want to make year after year. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the season with every bite!